Fisher takes early lead at Qatar Masters
Englishman top after a seven-under-par 65 on the opening day; Defending champion Garcia finishes three shots behind.
Oliver Fisher carded eight birdies on the opening day to take a solo one-shot lead at the Qatar Masters.
The Englishman’s only blemish in a seven-under-par 65 was when he bogeyed the 13th hole, but he edged Rafael Cabrera-Bello of Spain by one stroke on an eventful first day at Doha Golf Club.
“I played nice, it was a little bit breezy, and I felt like I controlled my golf ball,” said Fisher, who won the Czech Open in 2011 but then went two years without finishing among the top-10 before finding his form last year.
Ernie Els and Paul Lawrie were among 11 players tied for third at five-under. Els was especially pleased with his putting.
“I’m actually not a grumpy guy, I’m quite a happy guy, but when you’re not making putts, you can’t help yourself,” Els said.
Defending champion Sergio Garcia, making his first European Tour start of the season, finished at three-under.